Final Frontier, page 36
“I can think of a few reasons,” Rogers said.
“From what I gathered of their religion,” Edward said, “the Sagans rarely get involved directly. They prefer indirect methods—empowering individuals who take the initiative or maneuvering events.”
Ken nodded. “According to the Sagan we met, that’s how Earth narrowly avoided ecological disaster in the last century.” He looked back up at Bailey. “How did you manage to escape?”
“We encountered some resistance from the Soviet soldiers, who were put in charge of Millennium Airfield, but Chancellor Glidrah insisted they let us go. He still hopes we might eventually side with him.”
“His hopes will be dashed,” Ken said, looking at Rogers. “I hope?”
Rogers shook his head. “No, I will not side with Glidrah’s tyrannical takeover. I’m more inclined to withdraw from the system and not get involved at all.” Ken glared at him while many of the Ulysses officers shuffled in their seats. “This is not our fight, and the Orian government obviously doesn’t want our assistance.”
“I agree with Captain Rogers in this case,” Krishnik said. Ken narrowed his eyes at him. “Moral dilemma may not be relevant, however. Intervene or not. Result for Oria remains same.”
Ken softened his glare. Krishnik had a point. Except for the glimpses they got on Oria, they hadn’t really seen the Haydrins in action yet, but they were clearly technologically superior.
“As eager I am to rush to the defense of Oria, I agree that a direct assault is right out,” Edward said. “Even with two ships, we wouldn’t last long against one Haydrin cruiser, let alone three plus the Bolshevik.”
“We’ve made a few allies in the past year,” Bartly said.
Rogers threw him a glare. “Thorn and Nelfi. Tossing a bunch of rats and cats at the Haydrins might be amusing, but highly ineffective if our goal is to repel this invasion.”
Ken shrugged. “They’ve commandeered a Galadorian raider on Syrcar.”
“One raider. That would even the odds.”
“Last I’ve heard from Hirlish,” Bailey said as he sat down between Ken and his captain, “he’s managed to stir up a significant following, including several starship commanders. Probably not enough to successfully take back their government, but perhaps enough to cause trouble for Glidrah on the homefront.”
“How long ago did you hear from him last?” Edward asked.
“A few months. I’ll attempt to reestablish contact after we finish here.”
Ken’s eyes glazed over, having no idea who Bailey was talking about. Instead, his thoughts turned to Eachana Teloran, the group she was connected to, and Rogers’ recent interactions with them. “In the meantime, there’s a group of Orians armed with Earth Alliance weapons. Sooner or later, they’re going to try to use them against the Haydrins.”
Edward nodded in agreement. “With no experience and, at best, only second-hand knowledge in fighting an occupying, more superior force, obtained from our records. They could benefit from experienced leadership.”
“Are you volunteering?” Rogers asked.
“I am, and not just out of concern for Danilla. You should come, too, for the sake of familiarity.”
“Glidrah may not be openly hostile toward us now. That will change if we rouse his suspicions. Our shuttle going back-and-forth between our ship and Millennium City within a short time will do that.”
“You could go under the guise of topping off our stores,” Bartly said.
“The Haydrins are still allowing regular planetary travel—as of this morning, anyway,” Bailey said. “You just need to land somewhere on the planet—in ‘North America’, perhaps—and make your way to Millennium City. Maybe even coordinate with regional governments.”
Rogers appeared to think it over. He remained stoic the whole time, so Ken couldn’t be sure which way his thoughts were leaning. “If, by the grace of Sagans, we manage to repel Glidrah and his forces from Oria, it will mean nothing if he can just summon reinforcements. I will await the hypothetical reply from Hirlish.”
“I’ll get on it,” Bailey said.
“We should leave Oria orbit first,” Bartly said. “Even if the Haydrins and Soviets are unable to intercept our messages, they could still detect our com-activity.”
Rogers nodded. “Hart, you will take us to the outer planets.”
“In the meantime, the Frontier will remain here and continue to monitor the situation,” Ken said.
“You do that. Dismissed.”
Edward accompanied Ken and Krishnik back to the launch bay lounge. Silence hung over them, like a dark cloud over Edward, particularly, and Ken didn’t need the future dragon’s telepathy to know what weighed on his son’s mind. “I’m sure Danilla is alright,” Ken said.
Edward rolled his eyes, and Ken shook his head. Of course, he couldn’t be sure, but what else could he say? Then, Edward sighed and shook his own head. “I appreciate the sentiment.”
*
Almost as soon as he and Krishnik had cleared their launch bay, the Ulysses departed for the outer system. Back aboard the Frontier, Ken summoned his surviving officers to the briefing room where he filled them in on the situation, as Bailey had described it, and the plan that was in development.
“That’s the situation as it stands now,” he said in conclusion. He sat down and allowed his officers a moment to process it all. He needed that moment himself.
The footage of the initial invasion a few weeks ago was still fresh in his mind. Ken had the footage replayed on screens throughout the ship in the past month to make sure his crew didn’t forget the atrocities being committed. Haydrin shuttles blasting through Orian interceptors, followed by Haydrin soldiers mowing down protesters. He could only imagine what the scene in White Rider Square must’ve been like as the soldiers rounded up curfew violators the first night. Then, he imagined the soldiers breaking up meetings in their Halls of Worship all because Glidrah felt they weren’t praising him sufficiently. Such scenes have been terrible enough on Earth in the last two hundred years, but on Oria where they haven’t happened in nearly nine hundred years…
“Who’s this Hirlish?” Anderson finally asked.
“I’m guessing they have an informant of their own within the Haydrin Dominion,” Ken said. “Probably an acquaintance from the former Imperium, before Glidrah took over.”
“What happens if this Hirlish doesn’t reply, or he’s unable to draw Glidrah away from Oria?” Stoner asked.
“Then, we’d need a Plan B.” He had no idea what that would be, but turning tail and running away did not sit right with him. He finally had an inkling of what must’ve gone through his dad’s mind when he faced-off that whaling tanker, now almost seventy years ago.
“Oria is indeed a beautiful world and most Humans living upon it are indeed pleasant,” Krishnik said. “I do not condone Glidrah’s action. You must realize, however, you are not likely to succeed in repelling Haydrin invasion.”
Ken nodded. “I am aware of that. Improbable does not mean impossible, however.” Like the Battle of Britain, although, from what he could recall from his history, he was reasonably sure Nazi Germany didn’t have such a technological edge over Britain in 1940 as the Haydrins did over them and the Orians now.
“Most of us have been planetside,” he continued. “And those who haven’t, have at least seen the images the Ulysses had sent us. We are all aware of the beauty, the preciousness of Oria. We know from similar accounts in our own history of the toll the Haydrin invasion will have on Oria—the people and their natural world. Glidrah hopes we will support him. He would be satisfied if we just stood aside and did nothing. I will do neither. We will lose an opportunity to get home, but the price Glidrah is asking is too high.”
Gross and Misra both nodded vehemently, indicating their complete agreement. Stoner, Anderson, and Krishnik appeared to be deep in thought.
“But if anyone wishes to depart the ship, I will allow it. No questions asked. The situation would be the same on Oria or the Ulysses, but chances of survival might be slightly better—Oria especially. Consider it. Share it with the crew. We have until the Ulysses makes contact with their informant.”
“Which may or may not happen,” Stoner said.
“Right. We’ll wrestle with that monster if and when we encounter it.”
*
“He’s lost it!” Nora declared, standing in the mess hall. “He’s out of his goddamn mind!”
Ellen sat with Ian and Qeebix, each with a plate of the last of the “turkey” and “couscous” they had replenished their stores with on Thor. Now, their stores had been re-stocked with foodstuffs brought up from Oria. News of McClance’s intention to defend Oria had spread quickly among the crew. Most agreed that standing by and allowing the Haydrins to trample the Orians was undesirable, and the idea of profiting off it with a chance to return to Earth abhorrent. Nora, of course, was one of the few who didn’t, and, so far, the most vocal about it.
“He’s giving you an opportunity to leave the ship,” Ellen said.
“And I’ll be doing just that. From what I’ve heard, Captain Rogers seems far more competent. I might even join Captain Olegov and return to Earth next year while y’all wander aimlessly around the galaxy. You’re all welcome to join me.” She looked around at those gathered in the mess hall, then back at the chef in the galley.
“I’ll be stayin’ aboard,” the chef said.
“What? Why?!”
“I won’t abandon the ship, especially not while we’re short-handed.”
“What could you possibly do?”
“I’m sure there’s somethin’.”
“We could use an extra hand in the missile room,” Ian said.
Nora shook her head. “I don’t believe it. What about you, bug? Surely, none of this makes any sense to you.”
Qeebix’s mandibles stopped munching on his meat. He tilted his head and turned toward the ensign. “It does. Very much. Upnux pupae taught value of sacrifice. Good of colony greater than comfort of individual. Protecting young most important.”
“You’re worried about Kiki?” Ellen asked.
“Kiki. Suri. Others like them.”
“Uh, who?” Nora asked.
“Qeebix made a few friends on Oria,” Ian said. “A couple of Orian children.”
Nora scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Unbelievable. You’re all sheep. Even the bug.” She turned and left the mess hall.
III
Earth Calendar: 5 October 2131 A.D.
KEN STOOD on the operations deck, overlooking the bridge. Oria dominated the main viewscreen. The peaceful and prosperous world that Earth could have been had it not been for centuries of greed and corruption. Also out there were three Haydrin cruisers that were likely centuries ahead of them technologically and a Soviet cruiser that was twenty years ahead. The Haydrins were enforcing their idea of security, thinly disguising their true intentions of domination, on a population that has been living peacefully with themselves and their world for centuries. Thinking of the oppression affirmed his determination to defend Oria, but, as his mind turned to the odds against them, his resolve wavered.
A signal drew his attention to the com-station, where Gross her console. “The Ulysses signals. Text only. Hirlish has responded. They’re on their way back.”
“Any indication whether Hirlish is onboard?” Ken asked.
Gross shook her head. “They don’t say. However, they do say Captain Rogers will meet with us—you and Lieutenant Anderson, specifically—in our launch bay lounge.”
“They actually specified that?”
“Aye.”
Ken cocked his eyebrows and shrugged. He supposed it was a good idea to move quickly to evade the Haydrins and Soviets. “Acknowledged. Do they have an ETA?”
“One hour, forty-five minutes.”
Ken nodded. “Notify Anderson.”
*
Ken and Anderson waited in the lounge as the launch bay repressurized. A few minutes later, Rogers and Edward entered. “Hirlish has agreed to meet with us,” the captain said at once, disregarding the niceties. “Bailey has agreed us to a rendezvous at a set of coordinates over a month away. Anderson, I need you to transmit the specifications of your engines to my engine room.”
Anderson glared at the captain. “Sure,” she said, drawing out the word as she turned to Ken, “I can do that, if you insist.”
“I do. Asap.”
“Our chief engineer hopes to duplicate the Darkkon modifications,” Edward explained.
Ken nodded. “Proceed, Lieutenant.”
“I’ll get on it.” She eyed Rogers as she turned to leave. As she exited the lounge, Neilsen stormed in, a knapsack over her shoulder.
“I’ve submitted my resignation. I’m leavin’ the ship. You’re incompetent and reckless, especially with your latest decision to oppose the Haydrins, snubbing the chance they’re offering to return to Earth. Everyone else’s too blind to see it. Captain Rogers, permission to join your crew.”
“If you join my crew, you will support our opposition to Glidrah.”
Neilsen raised her hands in defeat and shook her head. “Then, I’ll join the Bolshevik! At this point, a Russian ship would be better than this handbasket!”
An alert sounded, and the screen blinked to show the Bolshevik approaching. The intercom whistled.
Ken stepped toward the com-speaker. “McClance here.”
“We’ve got activity, as you can see,” Stoner said.
“The Bolshevik is hailing us and the Ulysses,” Gross said.
“Patch it down here,” Ken said.
The screen blinked to show the Soviet bridge. Olegov sat in the command chair while Glidrah stood nearby, with what looked like a scowl on his face. “Captain Rogers, Lieutenant Commander McClance, I am disappointed,” the chancellor said. “All you had to do to satisfy your conscience was not interfere.”
“Which I thought would have been your natural inclination, Captain Rogers,” Olegov said. “Our business with Orians does not concern you. You, therefore, have no business getting involved.”
“That’s what I’ve been sayin’!” Neilsen said.
While Ken wondered how Glidrah and Olegov learned that he and Rogers were preparing to move against them—the Ulysses mole maybe?—Rogers stepped forward. “Normally, you would be correct, but this is a different situation. The Orians have, allegedly, maintained peace and prosperity for nearly nine hundred years. I’m skeptical of the validity of that, but I cannot deny the current state of their world.”
“That is why they need help to maintain security,” Glidrah said.
“You have crossed the line, as generally happens with such endeavors.”
Ken nodded his agreement. “As the last century of Earth history has shown, the former Russian Federation being a prime example, it has never turned out well for the invading force.”
“I urge you both to reconsider,” Glidrah said. “I will not hesitate to destroy you if I must. I trust I need not remind you of our superiority.”
“And you know I have no problem,” Olegov added. “We will finish what we started two years ago.”
“What about your contact?”
“A sacrifice I will make if it ensures my crew get home.”
Ken turned to Neilsen. “You still want to join his crew?” Neilsen’s mouth moved, but nothing came out. Ken returned his attention to the screen. “We will not stand down.”
“Neither will we,” Edward said. He threw his captain a piercing glare. “Right?”
“We have made our stand,” Rogers said.
Glidrah growled. “Then, you have chosen your fate. Approach planet or attempt to leave system we will destroy you. We know you have contacted insurgents. You conspire with insurgents; you share their fate.” He nodded to someone off-screen. The image blinked back to show the Soviet cruiser.
“The lieutenant and I are headed to Oria,” Rogers said as the Bolshevik peeled back toward the planet. “We will coordinate with the peacekeepers while Bailey takes the Ulysses to coordinate with Hirlish. The lieutenant and I will need the Frontier to cover us until we enter the atmosphere. Understood?”
Ken heard as he kept his eyes on the screen and the retreating Soviet cruiser. Four cruisers stood between them and the planet. Rogers and Edward would not reach the atmosphere on their own. The Ulysses had to be the one to meet with their Haydrin contact. Of their two ships, the Frontier was the only one expendable. Ken met Rogers’ and Edward’s eyes. They knew what they were asking. Finally, Ken nodded. “Understood. Neilsen, if you still insist on leaving the ship, this is your last chance.”
Rogers turned his hardened eyes on her. “If you join us, you will share in the defense of Oria.”
Neilsen huffed and rolled her eyes. “Fine. Well, at least, down there, there’s a better chance for survival.”
Rogers glared at her for a moment longer before turning back to the McClances. “We must launch and begin our descent. Now that we’ve committed ourselves, Glidrah and Olegov will not allow us to take our sweet time.”
“It’s better to stay in our launch bay until the last possible moment,” Ken said.
Rogers nodded. “Agreed. Tell your launch control to stand by. Neilsen, snap to it. McClance…make it quick.” The captain returned to the launch bay, Neilsen obediently on his heels. Edward hung back as he met Ken’s eyes.
“I trust I don’t need to tell you to be careful,” Ken said.
Edward shook his head. “And I trust you know better than to make any promises this time.”
It was Ken’s turn to shake his head. No, he couldn’t. Not with the odds stacked against them. He approached his son. “I can still hold out hope—however slim. I’ve missed so much; more than I know I can ever make up for. But I would like to try.”
Edward hesitated before nodding, a gentle smile appearing on his face. “Here’s to hoping.”
Ken was close enough now to wrap his arms around his son. Edward returned the embrace. It was then that Ken realized this was the first hug he shared with his adult son—since hugging him as a child seven months ago. Like everything else about the whole situation, it felt awkward. It wasn’t just him, evidently. Edward hesitated for a moment before returning the gesture.
